Discussing Politics At Work
Since we are at the beginning of the primary season, I thought I would bring up a forbidden topic: talking about politics at work! It’s ironic that in our democratic society most management consultants don’t encourage open political discourse. Usually, the argument they make is that people might be judged by their opinions. However I believe that people who can effectively express their political opinions can earn the respect of their co-workers. This is possible if they demonstrate their ability to listen and understand the opinions of others. If a person can demonstrate these skills while talking about something as personal as his or her political viewpoint, then there is a good chance that they will be open to the opinions of others about other issues.
At the risk of being bold, I would like to establish a few ground rules for sharing political opinions with co-workers.
Rule #1: It’s ok to have an opinion. My father always said, “Toni, the reason they call them opinions is because everyone is entitled to have one.” It’s important to remember that in America it is our inalienable right to have an opinion, and I happen to believe that we all should have an opinion about who should be the chief executive of our country and how they do their job. We can’t always pick our bosses or members of our family, but it is our obligation to select who runs this country.
Rule #2: It’s also important to realize that no matter how absurd another person’s opinion may seem, you must respect that person’s right to have an opinion. Some of my most memorable conversations have been with people who have opinions that are completely opposite of my own. I have had conversations with people who are ultra conservative (I am not), people who never interacted with people of another race, and people who never had to worry about money. In each of these conversations, I learned as much about myself as I learned about the other person.
Rule #3: Discuss, don’t debate. My father also taught me that usually, people only open up to people who play fair. That means that it is important that people learn to listen without judgment and communicate their viewpoint in a non-threatening tone of voice. In order to understand the other person’s perspective, it’s important to ask questions that help clarify the other person’s point of view. When people ask questions it helps to establish a dialogue and thus tow way communication.
If you are considering how to handle political discussion at your workplace, remember that there are some people who may, despite your good intentions, make judgments about you based on your political opinions. However, my personal experience indicates that if you obey the above rules then most people will respect you for your candid and honest expression of your opinion and your ability to demonstrate respect for others. Respect is an universal value that everyone, no matter their political affiliation can identify with.
Formed in 1994, TLD clients include ALSTOM Power, Knoxville Utilities Board, Cummins Filtration, Nashville Electric Service, Tennessee Valley Authority, RenaissancePG, Saturn Motors and Mercedes Benz. If you would like more information about TLD, feel free to email Toni Duval, President of TLD at tlduval@tldconsultants.com.
Since we are at the beginning of the primary season, I thought I would bring up a forbidden topic: talking about politics at work! It’s ironic that in our democratic society most management consultants don’t encourage open political discourse. Usually, the argument they make is that people might be judged by their opinions. However I believe that people who can effectively express their political opinions can earn the respect of their co-workers. This is possible if they demonstrate their ability to listen and understand the opinions of others. If a person can demonstrate these skills while talking about something as personal as his or her political viewpoint, then there is a good chance that they will be open to the opinions of others about other issues.
At the risk of being bold, I would like to establish a few ground rules for sharing political opinions with co-workers.
Rule #1: It’s ok to have an opinion. My father always said, “Toni, the reason they call them opinions is because everyone is entitled to have one.” It’s important to remember that in America it is our inalienable right to have an opinion, and I happen to believe that we all should have an opinion about who should be the chief executive of our country and how they do their job. We can’t always pick our bosses or members of our family, but it is our obligation to select who runs this country.
Rule #2: It’s also important to realize that no matter how absurd another person’s opinion may seem, you must respect that person’s right to have an opinion. Some of my most memorable conversations have been with people who have opinions that are completely opposite of my own. I have had conversations with people who are ultra conservative (I am not), people who never interacted with people of another race, and people who never had to worry about money. In each of these conversations, I learned as much about myself as I learned about the other person.
Rule #3: Discuss, don’t debate. My father also taught me that usually, people only open up to people who play fair. That means that it is important that people learn to listen without judgment and communicate their viewpoint in a non-threatening tone of voice. In order to understand the other person’s perspective, it’s important to ask questions that help clarify the other person’s point of view. When people ask questions it helps to establish a dialogue and thus tow way communication.
If you are considering how to handle political discussion at your workplace, remember that there are some people who may, despite your good intentions, make judgments about you based on your political opinions. However, my personal experience indicates that if you obey the above rules then most people will respect you for your candid and honest expression of your opinion and your ability to demonstrate respect for others. Respect is an universal value that everyone, no matter their political affiliation can identify with.
Formed in 1994, TLD clients include ALSTOM Power, Knoxville Utilities Board, Cummins Filtration, Nashville Electric Service, Tennessee Valley Authority, RenaissancePG, Saturn Motors and Mercedes Benz. If you would like more information about TLD, feel free to email Toni Duval, President of TLD at tlduval@tldconsultants.com.
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NMSDC Conference Team
Thanks to the TLD Team from L-R
Judie Watson, Marge Sitler, Tony Melluzzo, and Durlene Mikkelson